Road safety minister loses licence for speeding

The minister responsible for road safety and transport in Western Australia has lost her driver’s licence for speeding and it was disclosed today the disqualification is her second since 1994.

Western Australia state Infrastructure Minister Allanah MacTiernan apologised publicly after losing her licence when she was caught speeding by police in her new ministerial car.

But MacTiernan, a minister for just three weeks in the newly elected state government, admitted today it was not her first disqualification - she had been caught driving under the influence of alcohol seven years ago.

The disclosure renewed earlier calls from West Australia opposition leader Colin Barnett for the minister to resign.

Western Australia Premier Geoff Gallop said he did not judge MacTiernan’s license loss as 'a sackable offence', and said she would remain in her office.

Gallop praised MacTiernan for making the matter public and for apologising.